Zenit suggest Arshavin deal is close

Tuesday 27 January 2009 00:01 BST

Arsenal appeared to edge closer to the capture of Andrei Arshavin on Monday night after Zenit St Petersburg released a statement claiming that agreeing personal terms is an obstacle they need to overcome before signing the Russia playmaker.

The announcement from Arshavin's club, posted on their official website, suggests a fee has been agreed for the midfielder who caught the eye for his country during the European Championships last summer.

"The fundamental understanding over the transfer of the player is achieved between the clubs," read the statement. "At the moment the basic obstacle in realisation of the transaction is Andrei Arshavin's personal requirements."